Faith at Its Peak: Over 10 Million Devotees Take Sacred Dip at Sangam on Makar Sankranti

As the first rays of sunlight touched the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj transformed into a vast ocean of devotion on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati bore witness to an overwhelming display of faith, with devotees arriving in unprecedented numbers to take the holy dip.

According to official estimates, nearly 10.3 million pilgrims bathed at the Sangam on Makar Sankranti, marking it as the second major bathing day of the Magh Mela 2026. The scale of participation surpassed expectations and further cemented Prayagraj’s stature as the epicentre of India’s ritual and spiritual traditions.

The massive turnout was anticipated, as nearly 8.5 million devotees had already entered the mela area a day earlier on Ekadashi, setting the stage for the historic gathering on Sankranti.

WHY MAKAR SANKRANTI DRAWS MILLIONS

Makar Sankranti holds a special place in the Hindu religious calendar as it marks the sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara Rashi). Scriptural beliefs state that a dip at the Triveni Sangam on this day washes away sins and opens the path to spiritual liberation.

The sanctity of the Sankranti bath becomes even more pronounced during the Magh Mela period. This belief draws pilgrims not only from across India but also from overseas, many of whom plan their travel months in advance to coincide with this auspicious occasion.

From the early hours before dawn, devotees queued along designated ghats, chanting prayers and hymns as they awaited their turn. Despite the sheer volume of pilgrims, the bathing rituals concluded peacefully and in an orderly manner.

ROBUST SECURITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHT

To manage the unprecedented footfall, the Uttar Pradesh government deployed extensive security, surveillance, and crowd management arrangements across the mela area. Senior police officials and civil administrators remained stationed on-site throughout the day to ensure safety and smooth movement.

Top officials, including Additional Director General of Police Jyoti Narayan, Inspector General Ajay Mishra, Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agrawal, Prayagraj Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar, Additional Police Commissioner Dr Ajaypal Sharma, District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma, Mela Officer Rishiraj, and Mela Superintendent of Police Neeraj Pandey, personally monitored operations.

Continuous briefings were issued to ground-level personnel to maintain discipline, prevent bottlenecks, and respond swiftly to any contingencies.

TRANSPORT INITIATIVES HELP EASE PILGRIM FLOW

Special transport measures played a crucial role in reducing congestion. On Makar Sankranti alone, more than 11,500 pilgrims used the Rapido bike service, introduced to help devotees navigate crowded routes efficiently.

Since the beginning of the Magh Mela, this service has facilitated the movement of over 138,500 pilgrims, significantly easing pressure on traditional transport networks.

KHICHDI PRASAD ADDS A HUMAN TOUCH

Beyond logistics and security, the administration also focused on preserving the festival’s symbolic and cultural essence. Senior officials distributed traditional khichdi prasad at multiple locations across the mela grounds.

The gesture was warmly received by pilgrims and contributed to the festive and spiritual atmosphere surrounding the sacred bath, reinforcing the bond between administration and devotees.

The successful conduct of the Makar Sankranti bathing ritual stands as a testament to coordinated governance and the enduring power of faith. As the Magh Mela continues, Prayagraj remains at the heart of India’s spiritual landscape, drawing millions through belief, tradition, and collective devotion.